Top 10 Famous Street Foods of Varanasi

Varanasi or Banaras as it was previously known, is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. The throbbing culture, the overwhelming ghats of Ganga, the peculiar style of life, the chaotic gullies, the mediaeval temples, the yogi babas and the monuments of Banaras are sure to provide an uplifting spiritual experience for its guests. 

Varanasi is like a canvas with different vibrant colours fading into each other to create this lovely complicated artwork. Every day, thousands of visitors from all over the world explore the city's twisting alleys and tiny passageways.
Looking for something and being completely astonished or amazed by what this town has to offer.

While you witness the streets of Varanasi, these are some of the dishes you can grab

Safed Makhan Toast

A breakfast of Safed Makhan Toast with chai in the morning is a delightful way to start the day. The locally produced bread is roasted in a coal oven and lavishly spread with freshly prepared yellow or white butter. Depending on your preferences, the toast is served with a pinch of chaat masala or sugar.

Where to eat: Laxmi Chai Waley near Maldahiya

Kachori Sabzi

In Varanasi, Kachori Sabziis a popular breakfast option. The kachori is either stuffed with dal ki pithi, a lentil masala, or with spicy potato masala. These Kachoris are accompanied with spicy aloo ki sabzi. This mouth-watering mix is a must-try.

Where to eat: Chachi ki Dukaan in Lanka & Kachauri Gali

Channa Dahi Bada

Deep-fried channa bada is drenched in thickly pounded sweet yoghurt. It is then topped with masala, crushed black pepper, cumin and coriander, among other ingredients. This delicate balance of sweet and sour is pretty light.

Where to eat: Deena Chat Bhandar & Kashi Chat Bhandar, Dashashwamedha ghat

Laiya Channa

Laiya Channa is a soaked and boiled Channa snack. It's similar to bhelpuri, but instead of puffed rice, it's made with channas. Masalas, peanuts, diced tomato and onion are combined into boiled channas. This snack is typically accompanied by tea.

Where to go: Deena Chat Bhandar& Kashi Chat Bhandar, Dashashwamedha ghat

Dahi Golgappe

Only a few people refuse to eat Golgappe. The tangy flavour of golgappe makes it one of the most popular street items in Varanasi. The traditional golgappe with tamarind water is available, as is the Dahi Chutney Golgappe, which has both sweet and spicy flavours. This well-known Banarasi Talk is available at all Varanasi chat stores.

Where to go: Deena Chat Bhandar& Kashi Chat Bhandar, Dashashwamedha ghat

Rabri Malai Lassi

The Banarasi Lassi is not the same as the Punjabi Lassi. The Banarasi Lassi is a complete meal in and of itself. The lassi is hand-churned and topped with a substantial amount of Rabri and Malai. This viscous concoction is served in earthen pots with crushed pistachios on top.

Where to go: Blue lassi, Kachori Gali Chowk

Tamatar Chaat

Banaras has its unique variation of Aloo Tikki that uses tomatoes. Mashed potatoes are flavoured with hing, ground ginger, green chillies, and tomatoes. This dish is served in a Dona, which is a Palash leaf bowl, with Chaat masala sprinkled on top. While you're here, you should definitely try this Banarasi speciality.

Where to go: Deena Chat Bhandar& Kashi Chat Bhandar, Dashashwamedha ghat

Malaiyyo

This delicious Varanasi Street food is made from milk and served in little earthen cups known as Kulhad. This Persian-inspired dish is flavoured with cardamom and saffron. It is sometimes served with flavoured saffron or cardamoms and garnished with almonds and pistachios. It has a delicate, foamy texture that dissolves in your mouth.

Where to go: Godowlia Chowk

Thandai

Thandai is milk that is flavoured with a variety of spices. Depending on the season, numerous Thandai variations can be found on the streets of Varanasi. The well-known variation is the Kesaria Thandai of Banaras, which is recognised for its distinct flavour. Unless you ask for it, it is normally given without bhang.

Where to go: Baba Thandai, Godowlia

Launglata

This regional delicacy is typically cooked around the Holi season, but it may be found on the streets of Varanasi all year. The crispy pastry dough covering is packed with milk solids (mawa), almonds and sugar. This fried treat is drenched in flavoured sugar syrup before being served. One or two of them will suffice to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Where to go: Rajbandhu, KachauriGali Chowk

Banarasi Paan

Along with its rich flavour, Banarasi paan is popular all over the world. This well-known paan has spawned a slew of Bollywood tunes. Paan leaves are stuffed with betel nut, chuna, kiwam, snuff, rose chutney, baba chutney, coconut and catechu, among other ingredients, to make Banarasi paan. Paan has symbolic meaning in this region and is served in a unique nawabi style. During your stay, sample the distinct flavours of Banarasi paan.

Where to go: Deepak Tambul Bhandar, Dashashwamedh Ghat

Everyone is familiar with Varanasi's classical music scene, monuments, exquisite sarees and Naga sadhus. However, the temple town's small lanes have much more to offer and discover. You may savour the exquisite street cuisine offered in Varanasi while soaking in the sights and fragrances of the city. 

Begin your day with the creamy butter toast served with tea and Kachori for breakfast and end it with the delicious Banarasi chaats and jalebis. It would be a travesty to miss out on the local cuisine.

Also read: Varanasi: The home of purity and spirituality

This story is written by Dhawal Goshar: Content Writer, MyTravaly